The Crowns of Croswald [Spoiler-free Review]

Duration: 26/04/20 – 07/05/20

Ratings: 4/5

Publisher: Stories Untold

Author: D.E. Night

Huge thank you to the publisher for reaching out and providing me with a copy for review!

This is a really interesting middle grade fantasy that I enjoyed immensely. For some reason, it reminds me of the movie “Barbie and the Princess Charms School” but in a fantastical world with more magic.

My favourite part of the story is definitely the magic system. It is super unique and I have never read a fantasy title with similar a magic system…and I read a lot of fantasy. It’s so whimsical and imaginative, it’s honestly a joy to read and learn about the system and the creatures. I do wish there was a little more world building but I think will come in the sequel.

I love the setting of the story. It takes place in a magical school that used to be a castle. Like seriously, how much better can it get. I love the concept of royalty and scrivenist, and the magical lessons they have are just super fun. Honestly, the best way I can describe the book is that it is so unique and imaginative.

The plot and the pace of it is definitely suited for middle grade. For me, I would have liked it to be more intense but I imagine that if I have read this when I was younger, it would have been perfect for me.

Like most middle grade stories, this story has great friendships. And even a little hint of romance, just a tiny hint, which is surprising because most middle grade do not have romance. It’s a wholesome fluffy innocent romance that just makes you smile.

I really like our main character. She is kinda your typical female protagonist that is likeable overall. I can’t say I related or connected to her super well or that she is a character that will leave a everlasting impression on you, but I did like her. There is character developement as well, though not a whole lot. Honestly, she is just a super likeable character and very suited for the middle grade genre.

Overall, I would say this is a really interesting and enjoyable middle grade novel. I would definitely recommend this to younger audiences who love fantasy. And even if you are considered an “older audience”, I would say give this book a try because the magic system in this book deserve more attention.

Synopsis:

In Croswald, the only thing more powerful than dark magic is one secret…

For sixteen years Ivy Lovely has been hidden behind an enchanted boundary that separates the mundane from the magical. When Ivy crosses the border, her powers awaken. Curiosity leads her crashing through a series of adventures at the Halls of Ivy, a school where students learn to master their magical blood and the power of Croswald’s mysterious gems. When Ivy’s magic—and her life—is threatened by the Dark Queen, she scrambles to unearth her history and save Croswald before the truth is swept away forever.